Family Issues

Included In this Section

Births

If you still have 6 months or more to go on your posting, you will need to apply for a UK Visa for your new addition!

If you are planning – or not! – to have a baby while you are in the UK, there are a few considerations to keep in mind (for instance if your baby is born here in the UK, they will NOT automatically be granted UK Citizenship).

Which Citizenship Will Your Baby Have?

If both parents are Australian Citizens (only), then the baby will need to become an Australian Citizen (see steps to do so).
If either parent (or both) are also UK Dual Citizens, then the parents could also apply to have just Australian, just UK, or Dual Australian / UK Citizenship.

Citizenship Application Steps:

Baby is Born:
- Gets a UK Birth Certificate, but you will need to apply to Aus Home Affairs for Citizenship by Descent. Baby will not receive an Australian Birth Certificate.
Application Made to Home Affairs:
- Gets an Australian Citizenship Certificate
Application for Australian Passport:
- Gets an Australian Passport via Australia House

Home Affairs Website

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Deaths

When an Australian passes away in the UK, consular staff will do what they can to assist the next of kin.

Consular staff can put you in touch with funeral directors who will work with Australian funeral directors if you wish to return your loved one to Australia. The funeral director will consult you and make every effort to meet your wishes.

Depending on the local regulations, it may take several weeks to bring someone's remains home. This can be longer if an autopsy or coronial enquiry is required before a death certificate can be issued..

There are no biosecurity requirements on the importation into Australia of human ashes after cremation. However, containers used to hold human ashes must be free from contaminants such as soil. Containers made from wood must be declared on arrival for inspection. Cremated remains are best transported in funeral urns protected against breakage by cushioned packaging. We recommend carrying the ashes on board the flight as hand baggage. The following link provides all the information you require: Importing human remains or ashes (abf.gov.au).

Some airlines have specific requirements in relation to the carriage of ashes. It’s advisable you check with the airline for their own policy requirements.

Consular assistance: Who to contact

Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day by calling our Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra on:

1300 555 135 within Australia, or
+61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world

If you are overseas and it is outside working hours, you can call the Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country you’re visiting and follow the phone prompts for connection to the CEC.

Local funeral directors who can arrange international repatriation:

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Separations

Unfortunately some couples choose to separate while they are posted to the UK.
If a separating spouse no longer wishes to reside in the UK, they are entitled to a business Class flight to return to Australia. The London-based Admin Team will help with booking flights.
These issues can be very challenging, and every couple’s separation is different. For example, if the separating spouse (not the ADO member) leaves the accommodation then they will have to source, and pay for, their own lodgings, but children in schools will still have their school fees covered no matter with whom they are living. In every case, early discussions with the London-based Admin Team is important in order to understand your personal requirements and entitlements.

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Reunion Compassionate Travel

Reunion Travel:

The Overseas Administration Team in Canberra are the approvers and the bookers of all reunion travel.
Personnel are entitled to proceed on (up to) four Economy Class trips per year home, for specific circumstances only (for example to visit children in boarding school).

Compassionate Travel:

The London based Admin Team are the approvers and the bookers of all compassionate travel.
The affected person is the only person entitled to travel (Economy Class flight). More family members after this may accompany but it will be at member’s own cost. Each application will be considered on it’s specific family circumstances.

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